In the world of hormones, a little goes a long way! For instance, did you know that your body only makes about a teaspoon of thyroid hormone each year? That’s an incredibly small amount. Ten thousand units of vitamin D3 (also a hormone) can be contained in a quarter teaspoon. The smallest drop in estrogen, progesterone, or the smallest increase in testosterone during a woman’s monthly cycle can cause cataclysmic effects emotionally in the form of PMS. Just as it doesn’t take a lot of any one hormone to affect great changes in the body, it also doesn’t take a lot for those hormones to get imbalanced.
What does hormonal imbalance look like? Sleep disorders, excessive belly fat, persistent acne, loss of muscle mass, excessive sweating, low libido, hot flashes and night sweats, hunger pangs, erectile dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome, memory fog, headaches and migraines, gut health issues, constant fatigue, irregular menstrual periods, infertility, diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, skin tags, extreme thirst and frequent urination, dry coarse skin and hair, inability to tolerate extra heat or cold, thin, warm, and moist skin, hair loss, heavy periods, excessive body hair, vaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness, and irregular body fat distribution. That’s a lot of seemingly unrelated symptoms that all lead back to hormone imbalance!
When hormones are imbalanced, it can lead to unpleasant secondary symptoms. For example, when your body has too much cortisol, it negatively affects your sleep, your mood, your libido, your memory, and your energy levels. (For balancing cortisol, I love this product: Stress MAXX) One of the most common hormone related conditions is diabetes—when your pancreas doesn’t make enough of the hormone insulin, or your receptor cells don’t respond to insulin. (Our Blood Sugar formula helps keep your blood sugar levels in the normal range, naturally!) When thyroxine is imbalanced you can experience dry skin, brain fog, anxiety and depression, low energy, and weight gain. (Our Thyroid product is designed for optimal thyroid health). These are just three examples of the downstream effects of hormonal imbalance.
Life changes like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause cause hormones to fluctuate. Certain medications can cause hormonal imbalances. Opioids have a profound effect on hormones. They can disrupt the production and release of cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, and luteinizing hormone. This can lead to changes in mood, sexual function, and stress response.
Stimulants from caffeine to amphetamines to cocaine can stimulate the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain like adrenaline and dopamine. Prolonged stimulant use disrupts the natural balance of hormones, leading to mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. Chronic stimulant use can disrupt the normal functioning of the HPA axis (hypothalamus/pituitary/adrenal) leading to imbalances in cortisol, adrenalin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and other stress hormones. Seven million U.S. children aged 3-17 years have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. The most widely prescribed “medicines” for this condition are amphetamine based. Think about the hormonal imbalances awaiting these kids. (Try our Kid’s Multi Gummies to be sure your child is getting all the nutrients that they need!)
Depressants like alcohol and benzodiazepines (for anxiety) can suppress the production of hormones like testosterone and growth hormone, resulting in decreased libido, muscle loss, and impaired growth. Depressants slow down the central nervous system which then impacts the release and regulation of hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol.
Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy. They can lead to hormonal imbalances with side effects like moodiness, irregular bleeding, and decreased libido.
Xenoestrogens are manmade chemicals that have estrogen- like effects. These artificial estrogens are not biodegradable. They are stored in our fat cells. Xenoestrogens have been linked to breast, prostate, and testicular cancer, obesity, infertility, endometriosis, early onset puberty in children, miscarriages, reduced sperm counts, and diabetes. Xenoestrogens and phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) have been implicated in low libido and impotency as well as atherosclerosis. So, what are xenoestrogens? They are byproducts of the plastic and pesticide industries. They are found in conventional makeup/cosmetic products, household cleaners, laundry detergents, sunscreens, chlorine, and processed foods.
BPA, parabens, phthalates, PCBs, artificial food coloring FD&C Red No. 3, food preservatives known as BHA and BHT are in nearly everything we consume or use. Don’t eat or drink from plastic bottles or containers. Use glass or stainless steel instead. Never microwave your food in plastic. Buy eco-friendly detergents and household cleaners. Don’t eat processed food. Restrict or eliminate intake of grain-fed meat and non-organic dairy and produce. The antibiotics and hormones found in factory-farmed dairy and meat contain xenoestrogens. Eating lots of fiber is crucial to detoxifying the body of xenoestrogens, so be sure to eat plenty of fiber rich whole foods—organic green, leafy vegetables, flax seeds, sea vegetables, and fruits.
Hormones play a very important role in regulating mood, emotions, and overall mental well-being. Prolonged exposure to the chemicals in certain drugs, personal care products, and cleaning supplies can disrupt the delicate balance of your hormones and contribute to a life of dis-ease, not the happy and healthy life you deserve!